Digital television and channel editing method thereof

ABSTRACT

A digital television and a channel editing method are provided wherein various channel information is edited efficiently. In the channel edit method of the digital TV, the channel information stored according to a user&#39;s request is displayed on a multi-window. If the user selects a channel based on the multi-window, the channel selected by the user is tuned by a tuner and displayed as a moving picture. The user can edit the corresponding channel referring to the multi-window. In another embodiment, the user can edit the set favorite channel(s) separately. The broadcast status of all channels can be recognized almost instantaneously by viewing the multi-window displaying all the broadcast programs of multiple channels.

[0001] The present application claims the foreign priority benefit ofKorean Patent Application No. 2002-78294 filed Dec. 10, 2002, the entirecontents of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a digital television (TV), andmore particularly, to a digital television and a channel editing methodfor the digital TV by which various channel information is editedefficiently.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Generally, television (TV) is an apparatus that processesbroadcast signals. Each of the broadcast signals carries a broadcastprogram (e.g., broadcast contents) and allows the TV audience to watchthe broadcast program. The TV audience can get various kinds ofinformation from watching the TV. The TV is one of the mostrepresentative media of multimedia apparatuses developed. As thetechnology of multimedia develops, digital manner is substituted foranalog manner more and more.

[0006] A digital TV replays all the information of video, audio and dataof broadcast programs processed digitally in the original video andaudio signals. Such a digital TV is immune to noise compared to ananalog TV, needs a low transmission power, can employ the errorcorrection technology, and is easy to search, process and editinformation.

[0007] Particularly, the number of channels of the current digital TVthrough which broadcast programs are transmitted can be expanded as tentimes as that of analog channels. TV audience can view variousinformation through each of the channels so that the desire of the TVaudience for certain information can be satisfied completely.

[0008] As described above, the digital TV can search, process and editthe broadcast programs (channels). The TV audience can register ordelete the broadcast programs according to their need or desire.Whenever necessary, a TV viewer can register his or her favoritechannel(s) using a remote control and can watch the favorite channel atany time.

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a general digital TV.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, the general digital TV includes a singletuner 1 for selecting a broadcast signal, a demultiplexer 2 fordemultiplexing the broadcast signal selected by the tuner 1 (i.e., atransport stream multiplexed in time domain), an image processor 3 forperforming image processing so as to display the broadcast signaldemultiplxed by the demultiplexer 2, a display unit 4 (e.g., screen) fordisplaying the processed image signal, a key inputting unit 5 forinputting a user's request command and operation-related commands, and amicrocomputer 6 for outputting corresponding control signal(s) accordingto the command inputted by the key inputting unit 5 and controlling thetuner 1, the demultiplexer 2 and the image processor 3 of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a flowchart to illustrate a general channel editingmethod for the digital TV of FIG. 1.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 2, it is determined whether a user has selecteda channel edit menu using a remote control or the like (S11). Thechannel previously selected by the user is displayed on the display unit4 before the user selects the channel edit menu (S14). In other words,the channel that the user has selected before the digital TV is turnedon is memorized. Then, the selected channel is tuned and displayed onthe display unit 4 when the digital TV is turned on.

[0013] At step S11, when the user selects the channel edit menu, achannel edit screen 24 such as one shown in FIG. 3 is displayed (S17) onthe display unit 4. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, a channel map 22identifying the current channel and all other channels using channelnumbers in series is displayed on the channel edit screen 24 (S20). Thecurrent channel may be the channel that is being broadcast now or thechannel changed by the user, and is identified using block highlights.The broadcast on the current channel is displayed in a channel broadcastarea 20 of the channel edit screen 24. Here, channel 2 is identified asthe currently selected channel and the program on channel 2 is displayedin the channel broadcast area 20. The channel numbers memorized by anautomatic tuning function or the like are not displayed in bold, whereasthe channel numbers that are not memorized are displayed in bold. Forexample, in FIG. 3, the channel numbers 2, 7, 13, 14, etc. are displayedin bold compared to other channel numbers 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, etc.According to this configuration, the user can see that the channelnumbers 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, etc. are the memorized channels or availablechannels. In addition, the channels set to be as favorite channels mayhave a predetermined mark (♡) next to their channel numbers.

[0014] Returning to FIG. 2, once the channel edit screen is displayed atsteps S17 and S20, it is determined whether the user has inputted anypredetermined key (S23) to select one of the bolded-channel numbers(memorized channels) from the channel edit screen. If the key for thedesired channel number has been inputted, the broadcast signalcorresponding to the channel number selected by the user is tuned anddisplayed in the channel broadcast area 20 of the channel edit screen(S26). Only one channel broadcast can be displayed in the area 20 at anygiven time. In the example of FIG. 3, the user has selected channel 2.Thus, the broadcast program on channel 2 is displayed in the broadcastarea 20 of the channel edit screen 24.

[0015] Then, it is determined whether a channel edit key (function) isinputted by the user (S29). The process returns to step S26 if thechannel edit key is not inputted.

[0016] But, if the channel edit key is inputted by the user, then thechannel edit function according to the selected channel edit key isperformed (S32). These channel edit functions may include memorizing anddeleting selected channel number(s) and setting favorite channel(s).

[0017] When the channel edit function is completed, a channel end key isinputted by the user and the channel edit process is terminated (S35).

[0018] In the current broadcast, there are 69 wireless channels, 125wire channels and 60 DTV channels. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, thechannel edit screen 24 displays all the channel numbers (2-46), and thebrightness and darkness of channel numbers indicate whether or not abroadcast program is provided for the corresponding channel. Inaddition, predetermined marks are attached to those channel numbers ofthe user's favorite channels among the memorized channels so that theuser can quickly recognize the user's favorite channels from otherchannels.

[0019] The above-discussed channel editing method, however, has thefollowing problems.

[0020] First, when the user selects a channel edit menu, in the channeledit screen all the channels are displayed in the form of channelnumbers and the broadcast image (or program) of only a single channelselected by the user is displayed in the channel broadcast area 20 asshown in FIG. 3. The broadcast situation/program of other channels thencannot be recognized at all unless the user moves through and selectseach of the memorized channels one at a time from the channel editscreen. As a result, the channel edit process cannot be efficientlyachieved.

[0021] Second, since there exist numerous channels due to the variety ofmedia, it is wasteful in time and energy for the user to roll throughthe channel numbers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a digitaltelevision and channel editing method thereof that substantiallyobviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages ofthe related art.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amethod for editing a plurality of channels for a display device,includes displaying broadcast signals for the plurality of channels in amulti-window in a channel edit mode; and editing the channels using themulti-window.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amethod for editing a plurality of favorite channels for a displaydevice, includes displaying broadcast signals for the plurality offavorite channels in a multi-window in a favorite channel edit mode; andediting the favorite channels using the multi-window.

[0025] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description of the presentinvention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to providefurther explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide afurther understanding of the invention and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of theinvention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciple of the invention. In the drawings:

[0027]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a general digital TV;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a general channel editingmethod for the digital TV of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 3 shows an example of a channel edit screen of the digital TVof FIG. 1 according to the method of FIG. 2;

[0030]FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a digital TV according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 4B illustrates a channel edit method of the digital TVaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 5 shows an example of a channel edit screen of the digital TVaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a digital TV according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a digital TV according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention; and

[0035]FIG. 8 illustrates a channel edit method of a digital TV accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodimentsof the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The same or like reference numerals are used torepresent the same or like elements in the drawings.

[0037]FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a digital TV according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4A, the digital TV according to the firstembodiment of the present invention includes: first and second tuners101 and 102 for tuning to different broadcast channels among thebroadcast signals inputted through one or more antennas according to auser's request; a switching unit 103 for selectively outputting thebroadcast signals tuned by the first and second tuners 101 and 102; afirst signal processor 107 for processing the broadcast signal of thefirst tuner 101 selected by the switching unit 103 into a signal thatcan be displayed on a display unit 110 such as a screen; a second signalprocessor 108 for processing the broadcast signal of the second tuner102 selected by the switching unit 103 into a signal that can bedisplayed on the display unit 110; a key input unit (user input unit)104 for inputting request commands of a user and any other inputs; amicrocomputer (controller) 105 for outputting control signals inresponse to the commands of the user (e.g., a channel edit command, achannel edit execution command, etc.); a storage or memory 106 forstoring a standing (non-moving) picture of a channel automatically tunedby the second tuner 102 and set channel information; an image processor109 for processing output signals of the first and second signalprocessors 107 and 108 according to the control signals of themicrocomputer 105 to implement the output signals in the form of amulti-window or a single window; and a display unit 110 for outputtingan image signal outputted by the image processor 109. All thesecomponents of the digital TV are operatively coupled.

[0039] The first tuner 101 tunes to only a single channel selected bythe user (e.g., viewer). The second tuner 102 tunes automatically andsequentially (or in some predetermined order) to all other availablechannels, excluding the channel selected by the user, according to thecontrol signals of the microcomputer 105.

[0040] The switching unit 103 selectively supplies the output of thefirst tuner 101 and the output of the second tuner 102 to the firstsignal processor 107 and the second signal processor 108, respectively.In other words, the broadcast signal outputted by the first tuner 101 issupplied to the first signal processor 107. The broadcast signaloutputted by the second tuner 102 is supplied to the second signalprocessor 108.

[0041] The microcomputer 105 controls the image signals outputted by thefirst and second signal processors 107 and 108 so that they aredisplayed on the divided multi-window in response to a channel editcommand inputted by the key input unit 104. In addition, themicrocomputer 105 controls the second tuner 102 to automatically tune toall available channels other than the channel selected by the userthrough the key input unit 104. In this example, the second tuner 102sequentially tunes to each of all other available channels for a certaintime duration.

[0042] The operation of the digital TV as shown in FIG. 4A according tothe first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0043] When the user selects a channel edit menu using the key inputunit 104 (e.g., a remote control) while viewing the TV, themicrocomputer 105 displays a multi-window screen in the form of achannel map having a predetermined number of sub-windows based onchannel information stored in the memory 106 in response to the channeledit menu command inputted by the user.

[0044] An example of such a multi-window screen for channel editing isshown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a multi-window 40 includes a listof all channel numbers and a plurality of sub-windows 42 eachcorresponding to one of the channel numbers. The multi-window 40displays a broadcast program for each of certain available channels inthe corresponding sub-window. Various schemes (e.g., different colors,different marks, different fonts, etc.) can be used to distinguishchannel numbers as needed. For example, channel numbers can be displayedin different colors on the multi-window to distinguish the set(memorized) channels from other channels. In FIG. 5, the sub-windows 42each have a channel identification 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 . . . 15-0corresponding to different channels. The channel numbers 1-0, 3-0, 4-0,5-0, 6-0, 7-0, etc. are displayed in red as the memorized channels butthe channel numbers 2-0, 8-0, 10-0, 11-0, 12-0, etc. are displayed inyellow as the unset channels. The yellow channels have no programscurrently being displayed (e.g., because there is no broadcast signalreceived from such channels). In another example, the border of eachsub-window may be displayed in a different color to indicate the set andunset channels.

[0045] The channel information of the broadcast signals for the digitalTV can change instantly. For example, a broadcast signal for channel 3may be currently available. But it can happen that the broadcast signalfor channel 3 is not detected or available after a certain time periodelapses. Accordingly, to determine the broadcast situation for eachchannel, each channel is tuned frequently.

[0046] While the multi-window is displayed as described above, if theuser operates an arrow key of the key input unit 104 to move the currentchannel selection to a different channel, the new channel selected istuned by the first tuner 101. All other channels are tuned automaticallyand sequentially (or in some predetermined order) by the second tuner102 for a predetermined time duration per channel. The tuned imagesignals are displayed on the corresponding sub-windows 42 of themulti-window 40.

[0047] According to the first embodiment of the digital TV of thepresent invention, the currently selected channel is successively tunedby the first tuner 101 and displayed in the corresponding sub-window asa moving picture. All other available channels are automatically andsequentially tuned by the second tuner 102 for a predetermined timeduration per channel. For example, in FIG. 5, if the currently selectedchannel is channel 10-0, then a moving picture of the program for theselected channel 10-0 is displayed in the sub-window for channel 10-0.At the same or different time, from all other available channels 1-0,3-0, 4-0, 5-0 . . . etc., a moving picture of the program for channel1-0 first will appear in the corresponding sub-window for a certainduration while all other available channels (except channels 1-0 and10-0) will display blank or same default image in their sub-windows.After the duration ends, the picture on the sub-window for channel 1-0will become static (frozen or non-moving status) while a moving pictureof the program for the next available channel 3-0 will appear in thecorresponding sub-window for a certain duration. After this durationends, the picture on the sub-window for channel 3-0 will become staticwhile a moving picture of the program for the next available channel 4-0will appear in the corresponding sub-window. This movingpicture-to-static picture switching procedure is repeated until theprograms of all available channels are displayed in the correspondingsub-windows in static form. This process of displaying the channelprograms for all available channels (except the currently selectedchannel) on the sub-windows is referred to herein as a “moving-to-staticpicture process”. During this process, the moving picture of the programfor the currently selected channel 10-0 is displayed continuously.

[0048] By viewing the multi-window as shown in FIG. 5, the user caninstantaneously and easily recognize the current broadcast situation ofall channels. Each available channel automatically tuned by the secondtuner 102 is displayed as a moving picture when it is tuned first, butis displayed as a standing (static) picture when the next availablechannel is tuned by the second tuner 102. This procedure is applied toall the channels tuned by the second tuner 102.

[0049] In more detail, FIG. 4B illustrates a channel edit method of adisplay device according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. This method can be implemented in the digital TV of FIG. 4Aor other types of display devices.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the digital TV is turned on,the broadcast signal of a default channel or the channel selectedpreviously by the user is displayed on the display unit 110 before theoperation of editing channels is performed.

[0051] Then, if the user selects a channel edit menu using the key inputunit 104 or some other means, the microcomputer 105 interprets this asthe input of a channel edit command by the user (S21 1).

[0052] If the channel edit command is not inputted by the user, themicrocomputer 105 continues to display the broadcast signal of thedefault channel or the channel selected previously by the user on thedisplay unit 110 (S214).

[0053] On the other hand, if the channel edit command (i.e., channeledit menu) is selected by the user, the microcomputer 105 displays achannel edit screen as shown in, e.g., FIG. 5 based on the channelinformation set in the memory 106 (S217).

[0054] At this time, the broadcast signals for the channel previouslyviewed (before the selection of the channel edit menu) and all othermemorized (available) channels are displayed according to themoving-to-static picture process discussed above on the channel editscreen in the form of a multi-window 40 including a plurality ofsub-windows 42 based on the set channel information (S220). In addition,a moving cursor is positioned at one of the sub-windows corresponding tothe channel that has been viewed until the channel edit menu isselected.

[0055] Thereafter, the microcomputer 105 determines if a key or otheruser input is inputted by the user (S223). If no key is inputted by theuser for some period, the process moves to step S241. If a user input orkey is inputted by the user, it is determined whether the inputted keyis an arrow key (hereafter a first selection key) (S229). The firstselection keys are used to roll through different channels from thechannel edit screen and to select a desired channel.

[0056] If the first selection key is inputted (i.e., a new channelselected), the microcomputer 105 controls the first tuner 101 to tune tothis newly selected channel, so as to display the program of the newlyselected channel on the corresponding sub-window 42 of the screen inmoving pictures (S232). Accordingly, the channel selected by the user atstep S229 is tuned by the first tuner 101 to be displayed and all otherchannels are tuned by the second tuner 102 to be displayed.

[0057] If it is determined at step S229 that the key inputted by theuser is not an arrow key, it is determined whether or not the inputtedkey is an edit key (hereinafter a second selection key) (S235). The editkey is used to control channel editing functions from the channel editscreen. If the second selection key is inputted, the microcomputer 105controls to edit appropriate channel(s) according to the user'sselections (S238). For instance, at step S238, a channel is memorized,deleted and/or set as a favorite channel according to the user'scommands. This channel editing step is performed according to knowntechniques.

[0058] If the user inputs an edit end key, the channel edit process isterminated and the broadcast signal that has been viewed previously isdisplayed on the entire screen (without the multi-window) (S24 1).

[0059] In the related art, only the moving picture of a single channelselected by the user is displayed in the channel broadcast area 20 ofthe edit screen 24. In the present invention, however, a multi-window iscreated and displayed where programs on all available channels aresimultaneously or substantially simultaneously displayed on thecorresponding sub-windows. By viewing the multi-window then, the usercan almost instantaneously recognize which channel is available, whichchannel is a favorite channel, a deleted channel and a memorizedchannel, which channel is currently selected, etc.

[0060]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a digital TV according to the secondembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a single tuneris used to tune to all available channels including any user selectedchannel.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the digital TV according to the secondembodiment of the present invention includes: a single tuners 201 fortuning to different broadcast channels among the broadcast signalsinputted through one or more antennas according to a user's request; asignal processor 207 for processing the broadcast signals of the tuner201 into signals that can be displayed on a display unit 110; a keyinput unit (user input unit) 104 for inputting request commands of auser and any other inputs; a microcomputer (controller) 105 foroutputting control signals in response to the commands of the user(e.g., a channel edit command, a channel edit execution command, etc.);a storage or memory 106 for storing standing (non-moving) pictures ofchannels tuned by the tuner 201 and set channel information; an imageprocessor 109 for processing output signals of the signal processor 207(e.g., under control of the microcontroller 105) to implement the outputsignals in the form of a multi-window or a single window; and a displayunit 110 for outputting an image signal outputted by the image processor109. All these components of the digital TV are operatively coupled.

[0062] In the second embodiment, when a user selects a channel editmenu, the tuner 201 tunes sequentially (or in some predetermined order)to all available channels including the currently selected channel bythe user. The tuner 201 tunes sequentially to all available (memorized)channels so that the programs on those channels are displayed on thecorresponding sub-windows of a multi-window first in moving pictures andthen in static pictures for a time duration. For instance, the tuner 201tunes to a first channel to display the first channel program in movingpictures on the corresponding sub-window. Then after a certain timeduration has passed, the tuner 201 tunes to a second (next) channel todisplay the first channel program in static pictures on thecorresponding sub-window and to display the second channel program inmoving pictures on the corresponding sub-window. This is repeated forall available channels. If the user selects a particular channel fromthe channel edit screen, then the tuner 201 tunes to the selectedchannel so that the selected channel program is displayed in movingpictures on the corresponding sub-window, and all other availablechannels are displayed in static pictures on the correspondingsub-windows. At times where there is no channel selection, then thetuner 201 can be tuned to a designated channel (e.g., the last or firstchannel on the channel edit screen) so that the program on thedesignated channel is displayed in moving pictures while all otherchannels' programs are displayed in static pictures. All otheroperations (e.g., channel edit operations, etc.) are performed in thesame manner as the first embodiment.

[0063] The microcomputer 105 controls the image signals outputted by thesignal processor 207 so that they are displayed on the dividedmulti-window in response to a channel edit command or channel selectioncommand inputted by the key input unit 104.

[0064]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a digital TV according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, the digital TV according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of tuners 301each for tuning to a different broadcast channel among the broadcastsignals inputted through one or more antennas according to a user'srequest; a switching unit 303 for selectively outputting the broadcastsignals tuned by the tuners 301; a plurality of signal processors 307for processing the broadcast signals of the tuners 301 selected by theswitching unit 303 into signals that can be displayed on a display unit110; a key input unit (user input unit) 104 for inputting requestcommands of a user and any other inputs; a microcomputer (controller)105 for outputting control signals in response to the commands of theuser (e.g., a channel edit command, a channel edit execution command,etc.) and controlling the elements of the digital TV; a storage ormemory 106 for storing standing (non-moving) pictures of channels tunedby the tuner 301 and set channel information; an image processor 109 forprocessing output signals of the signal processors 307 according to thecontrol signals of the microcomputer 105 to implement the output signalsin the form of a multi-window or a single window; and a display unit 110for outputting an image signal outputted by the image processor 109. Allthese components of the digital TV are operatively coupled. The tuners301 are also referred to as a multi-tuner. If desired, the switchingunit 303 may be omitted so that the signals from the tuners 301 aresimultaneously supplied and processed by the signal processors 307,respectively, so that they can be displayed on the sub-windowssimultaneously in moving pictures.

[0066] In this embodiment, the tuners 301 are configured to tune to allavailable channels, respectively, under control of the microcomputer105. When a user selects a channel edit menu, each of the tuners 301tunes to a different available channel such that the programs on allavailable channels are tuned simultaneously and displayed (selectivelyor almost simultaneously) in moving pictures on the correspondingsub-windows of the multi-window at a given time. If the user selects aparticular channel from the channel edit screen, then the device can beconfigured to continuously display the program on the selected channelin moving pictures while displaying the programs on all other channelsin static pictures. In another example, when the user selects aparticular channel from the channel edit screen, all the programs arecontinuously displayed on the sub-windows in moving pictures, but theselected channel program is identified to the user using some knownmeans such as with marks, highlights, bolding, etc.

[0067] In accordance with fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of thepresent invention, the broadcast programs only for the favorite channelsare displayed in the sub-windows of the multi-window. That is, thefourth, fifth and sixth embodiments correspond respectively to thefirst, second and third embodiments of the invention discussed above,except that the programs and channels displayed on the sub-windows of amulti-window are all user's favorite channels and not just availablechannels.

[0068] In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the favorite channelselected by the user is tuned by the first tuner 101 and displayed as amoving picture. All the other favorite channels not selected by the userare tuned automatically and sequentially (or in some order) by thesecond tuner 102 for a certain duration per channel and displayed firstas moving pictures and then standing pictures according to themoving-to-static pictures process.

[0069] As an example, FIG. 8 illustrates a channel edit method of adisplay device according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. This method can be implemented in the digital TV of FIG. 4Aor other suitable device, and differs from the method of FIG. 4B in thatthis method of FIG. 8 involves displaying only the favorite channels onthe sub-windows of the multi-window.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, it is determined whether a user selects afavorite channel menu (S311). If the user selects the favorite channelmenu, the favorite channel list set in the memory 106 is displayed inthe form of a multi-window including a plurality of sub-windows (S314).For instance, all the programs of the favorite channels are displayed onthe corresponding sub-windows of the multi-windows. A default favoritechannel or previously viewed favorite channel is shown continuously inmoving pictures on the corresponding sub-window. All other favoritechannels are automatically and sequentially (or in some order) displayedon the corresponding sub-windows according to the moving-to-staticpicture process. That is, one favorite channel program is shown inmoving pictures for a certain duration while the previous adjacentfavorite channel program is shown in static pictures, and so on. Allnon-selected favorite channel programs are displayed in this manner ofthe moving-to-static picture process.

[0071] In this example, if the channel, which was viewed before thefavorite channel menu selection is made, is in the set favorite channellist, a moving cursor is positioned at that channel. If the channel,which was viewed before the favorite channel menu selection is made, isnot in the set favorite channel list, a moving cursor is positioned atthe left upper sub-window or some designated sub-window of themulti-window.

[0072] Then, it is determined whether or not the user inputs any key(user input) S317). If the user inputs a key, it is determined whetheror not the key is an arrow key used to roll through the differentfavorite channels on the favorite channel edit menu and to select adesired favorite channel from the list of favorite channels (S323).

[0073] If the key inputted by the user is an arrow key, a new favoritechannel selected by the user using the arrow key is tuned to by thefirst tuner 101 and displayed as a moving picture in the correspondingsub-window of the multi-window (S326).

[0074] On the other hand, if the key inputted by the user is not anarrow key, it is determined whether the inputted key is an edit key(S329). If the edit key is inputted, selected channel(s) are edited(e.g., memorized/deleted, etc.) (S332).

[0075] On the other hand, if the user does not input any key at stepS317, the process moves to step S335. At step S335, it is determinedwhether a favorite channel edit end key/command is inputted by the user.If yes, then the favorite channel edit operation is terminated; but ifno, then the process returns to step S317.

[0076] The fifth embodiment of the present invention is identical to thesecond embodiment, except that all channels displayed on the sub-windowsare the user's favorite channels. The fifth embodiment can beimplemented into the device of FIG. 6 or other suitable device.

[0077] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when a userselects a favorite channel edit menu, the tuner 201 tunes sequentially(or in some predetermined order) to all favorite channels of a userincluding the currently selected favorite channel (or previously viewedfavorite channel) by the user to display a favorite channel edit screen.The favorite channel edit screen is identical to the screen shown inFIG. 5, except that all channels shown therein are the user's favoritechannels. The tuner 201 tunes sequentially to all favorite channels ofthe user so that the programs on those favorite channels are displayedon the corresponding sub-windows of a multi-window first in movingpictures and then in static pictures for a time duration. For instance,the tuner 201 tunes to a first favorite channel to display the firstfavorite channel program in moving pictures on the correspondingsub-window. Then after a certain time duration has passed, the tuner 201tunes to a second (next) favorite channel to display the first favoritechannel program in static pictures on the corresponding sub-window andto display the second favorite channel program in moving pictures on thecorresponding sub-window. This is repeated for all favorite channels ofthe user.

[0078] If the user selects a particular favorite channel from thefavorite channel edit screen, then the tuner 201 tunes to the selectedfavorite channel so that the selected favorite channel program isdisplayed in moving pictures on the corresponding sub-window, and allother favorite channels are displayed in static pictures on thecorresponding sub-windows. At times where there is no channel selection,then the tuner 201 can be tuned to a designated favorite channel (e.g.,the last or first favorite channel on the favorite channel edit screen)so that the program on the designated channel is displayed in movingpictures while all other favorite channels' programs are displayed instatic pictures. All other operations (e.g., channel edit operations,etc.) are performed in the same manner as the second embodiment.

[0079] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is identical to thethird embodiment of the present invention, except that all channelsdisplayed on the sub-windows are a user's favorite channels. The sixthembodiment can be implemented into the device of FIG. 7 or othersuitable device.

[0080] In the sixth embodiment, the tuners 301 (multi-tuner) areconfigured to tune to all favorite channels of a user, respectively,under control of the microcomputer 105. When a user selects a favoritechannel edit menu, each of the tuners 301 tunes to a different favoritechannel of the user such that the programs on all the user's favoritechannels are tuned simultaneously and displayed (selectively or almostsimultaneously) in moving pictures on the corresponding sub-windows ofthe multi-window on a favorite channel edit screen, at a given time. Thefavorite channel edit screen is identical to the screen shown in FIG. 5,except that all channels shown therein are the user's favorite channels.

[0081] If the user selects a particular favorite channel from thefavorite channel edit screen, then the device can be configured tocontinuously display the program on the selected favorite channel inmoving pictures while displaying the programs on all other favoritechannels in static pictures. In another example, when the user selects aparticular favorite channel from the favorite channel edit screen, allthe programs on all the favorite channels are continuously displayed onthe sub-windows in moving pictures, but the selected favorite channelprogram is identified to the user using some known means such as withmarks, highlights, bolding, etc.

[0082] In the above discussed embodiments of the present invention, whena channel program is first displayed in moving pictures on thecorresponding sub-window and then switched to static pictures after acertain duration, this duration can be short enough such that the userviews programs on all available/favorite channels simultaneously oralmost simultaneously on the sub-windows of a multi-window. Also, asshown in FIG. 5, different tabs 50 can be provided to display programsor videos from different sources. FIG. 5 shows programs from a TV sourceas indicated by the activated “TV” tab 50.

[0083] As mentioned above, the digital TVs and the channel edit methodsaccording to the present invention have the following advantages.

[0084] First, since a channel edit screen is configured in amulti-window, the broadcast status of all relevant channels includingthe selected channels, favorite channels and unavailable channels can berecognized almost instantaneously.

[0085] Second, the previously memorized channel can be compared with thecurrently memorized channel for the user to recognize more easilywhether or not the broadcast is on.

[0086] Third, since the broadcast signal of each available channel isdisplayed on the multi-window, the user can recognize quickly thosechannels without the broadcast signals.

[0087] Fourth, in accordance with the fourth, fifth and sixthembodiments of the present invention, since only the favorite channelsexcept for all other channels can be edited, the user can set moreeasily the user's favorite channel(s) suitable for his or her request orpreferences.

[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus,it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for editing a plurality of channels fora display device, the method comprising: displaying broadcast signalsfor the plurality of channels in a multi-window in a channel edit mode;and editing the channels using the multi-window.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the displaying step includes: tuning, by a first tuner, to apreviously-viewed channel to display a current program of thepreviously-viewed channel; and sequentially tuning, by a second tuner,other channels to display programs of said other channels.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes: sequentially tuning,by a single tuner, to all the plurality of channels.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the displaying step includes: simultaneously tuning, bya multi-tuner, to all the plurality of channels.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the multi-window includes a plurality of sub-windows eachcorresponding to one of the plurality of channels.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein stored channel information is displayed on themulti-window.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein channel numbers of thechannels are displayed in different colors on the multi-window toindicate set channels from other channels.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein in the displaying step, a channel selected by a user is displayin a moving picture.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein all channelsother than the channel selected by the user are displayed as a movingpicture during being tuned and then displayed as a standing pictureafter being tuned.
 10. A method for editing a plurality of favoritechannels for a display device, the method comprising: displayingbroadcast signals for the plurality of favorite channels in amulti-window in a favorite channel edit mode; and editing the favoritechannels using the multi-window.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thedisplaying step includes: tuning, by a first tuner, to apreviously-viewed favorite channel to display a current program of thepreviously-viewed favorite channel; and sequentially tuning, by a secondtuner, other favorite channels to display programs of said otherfavorite channels.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the displayingstep includes: sequentially tuning, by a single tuner, to all theplurality of favorite channels.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein thedisplaying step includes: simultaneously tuning, by a multi-tuner, toall the plurality of favorite channels.
 14. The method of claim 10,wherein the multi-window includes a plurality of sub-windows eachcorresponding to one of the plurality of favorite channels.
 15. Themethod of claim 10, wherein stored favorite channel information isdisplayed on the multi-window.
 16. The method of claim 10, whereinchannel numbers of the favorite channels are displayed in differentcolors on the multi-window to indicate set favorite channels from otherfavorite channels.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein in the displayingstep, a favorite channel selected by the user is display in a movingpicture.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein all favorite channels otherthan the favorite channel selected by the user are displayed as a movingpicture during being tuned and then displayed as a standing pictureafter being tuned.
 19. A device for editing a plurality of channels fora display unit, the device comprising: means for displaying broadcastsignals for the plurality of channels in a multi-window in a channeledit mode; and means for editing the channels using the multi-window.20. The device of claim 19, wherein the displaying means includes: afirst tuner to tune to a previously-viewed channel to display a currentprogram of the previously-viewed channel; and a second tuner to tunesequentially to other channels to display programs of said otherchannels.
 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the displaying meansincludes: a single tuner to sequentially tune to all the plurality ofchannels.
 22. The device of claim 19, wherein the displaying meansincludes: a multi-tuner to tune simultaneously to all the plurality ofchannels.
 23. The device of claim 19, wherein the multi-window includesa plurality of sub-windows each corresponding to one of the plurality ofchannels.
 24. The device of claim 19, further comprising: a storage tostore channel information to be displayed on the multi-window.
 25. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein channel numbers of the channels aredisplayed in different colors on the multi-window to indicate setchannels from other channels.
 26. The device of claim 19, wherein thedisplaying means displays a channel selected by the user in a movingpicture.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the displaying meansdisplays all channels other than the channel selected by the user as amoving picture during being tuned and then as a standing picture afterbeing tuned.
 28. A device for editing a plurality of favorite channelsfor a display unit, the device comprising: means for displayingbroadcast signals for the plurality of favorite channels in amulti-window in a favorite channel edit mode; and means for editing thefavorite channels using the multi-window.
 29. The device of claim 28,wherein the displaying means includes: a first tuner to tune to apreviously-viewed favorite channel to display a current program of thepreviously-viewed favorite channel; and a second tuner to tunesequentially to other favorite channels to display programs of saidother favorite channels.
 30. The device of claim 28, wherein thedisplaying means includes: a single tuner to sequentially tune to allthe plurality of favorite channels.
 31. The device of claim 28, whereinthe displaying means includes: a multi-tuner to simultaneously tune toall the plurality of favorite channels.
 32. The device of claim 28,wherein the multi-window includes a plurality of sub-windows eachcorresponding to one of the plurality of favorite channels.
 33. Thedevice of claim 28, further comprising: a storage to store favoritechannel information to be displayed on the multi-window.
 34. The deviceof claim 28, wherein channel numbers of the favorite channels aredisplayed in different colors on the multi-window to indicate setfavorite channels from other favorite channels.
 35. The device of claim28, wherein the displaying means displays a favorite channel selected bythe user in a moving picture.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein thedisplaying means displays all favorite channels, other than the favoritechannel selected by the user, as a moving picture during being tuned andthen as a standing picture after being tuned.